Sore Legs and Baby Steps

I've spent the weekend trying to recover from theatre camp. It is amazing how exhausting it can be to spend 16 hours on your feet. My legs are really sore and just heavy and tired.

But, the show must go on. I spent a couple hours teaching choreography to actors today. I love doing choreography, but I have to admit, I was dragging by the end. This came after a run/walk at 5:30am and a walk with the Moon Dog. I'm just exhausted. Add to that an hour of pool time with the kiddos, which trust me, is a workout. I'm done.

I'm trying really hard to stay positive. When I'm tired and sore, I get cranky. I forget how much I have to be grateful for. I'm really trying to acknowledge my feelings and the reasons behind them, and I am trying to stay positive and appreciate all the good in my life. It definitely outweighs the not-so-good.

This week should be a little less hectic. It's followed by several extremely hectic weeks, but I'm not going to think about that, yet. One week at a time. One day at a time. Baby steps.

Staying Positive

Keeping the healthy trend going today. My eating is on track. My meals are planned. Today is an exercise-filled day.

I started the morning with a walk with two of my favorite people. It was the perfect start to the day. After getting some work done, I went home and did a half an hour of yoga. I needed a good stretch, and I want to be loose for class tonight.

I'm finishing the day with TKD. I haven't been to class in a few weeks due to work, vacation, and sickness, and I am feeling a little nervous. I feel like I haven't practiced enough. There's a tournament this weekend, and I am a little worried about it. I'm trying to stay positive, though. That's the goal.

One day at a time.

So Close

I had a long run on my training plan for today. 9 miles. It's been a long time since I ran that far, but I was ready and excited to do it. Yesterday was an active rest day, so I took the Moon Dog for a walk and practiced my TKD pattern. My legs were feeling refreshed and up to the task.

I chose a really hilly route. I don't have many flat options. There are hills in every direction. I need to run hills anyway because the Leaf Peeper is a hilly course. Plus, I like a challenge. I also decided to try for 10 miles instead of 9. Like I said, I like a challenge. Might as well get uncomfortable. It's been a very long time since I did a double-digit run, and while they're tough, I also secretly love them.

My mind is always the biggest challenge when I run. It's hard to not compare my run to a time when it was easier. I remember running every hill without too much trouble (back when I was training for the marathon). Today I walked some of the hills. I'm just not in that place anymore. I'm learning to accept that, and I know that with consistency I will get back to that place again. Still, it can be hard to stay positive. That was my goal today. Stay positive, walk when needed, and enjoy the run.

I did pretty well. I went slow, but I got it done.

My wonderful husband brought me water and food after I'd done about 7 miles. I'm very lucky that he is so supportive of my crazy endurance habit and willing to bring me supplies and pick me up when needed. I was really happy to see him today. It was hot, and my hands were swollen from lack of water. I took a break, refueled, and we hit a few balls at the driving range before I continued my run.

The break was nice at first (and definitely fun), but I regretted it once I started going again. My legs were tight and not interested in loosening up again. The heat was worse, and I was running in an area with no shade. It was rough. I pushed through for a while, but I was getting close to crashing and quickly texted Andy to pick me up and bring more water.

My total distance was 9.75 miles. So close! Still, it felt good to get a good long run in, and I'm enjoying the post-run soreness. I did it! And, I'll do it again. Next week I will get into the double digits. That's my next goal. I'm happy with what I did today, though. It's reminding me that I can do this again and get back to the place I was before.

Just Breathe

Today has been challenging...and it's 9:30 in the morning.

Both of my cars have decided to develop some major issues, which is just adding to the stress of this week. I'm trying to stay calm and breathe. Hoping things get better from here. At least I have TKD tonight. I'm looking forward to a good workout.

I also get some girl-time tonight with my friends. I need it.

The kids and I went for another run today. It was great. They decided to go the other direction and run up hill. They wanted a challenge. Happy mom moment. I'm always trying to get them to challenge themselves. The hill was hard, but they loved the downhill run back.